U.S. President Donald Trump presented Tiger Woods with the Medal of Freedom on Monday, awarding the nation's highest civilian honor to the world's most famous golfer, who overcame an 11-year major championship drought to win the Masters in April.

In a tweet posted a day after Woods won the Masters, Trump said he would give him the award "because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE" That undoubtably refers to the personal crises Woods faced, including the loss of most of his major sponsors after admitting to extra-marital affairs.

The ceremony in the White House Rose Garden was not without controversy.

The New York Times - citing a watchdog group - said the honor leaves the appearance of using his office to reward a business partner.

The report said Trump announced in 2014 that Woods would design a golf course in Dubai as part of a project that would be managed by the Trump Organization.

The 43-year-old golfer's age has also raised eyebrows.

Most other recipients have been awarded the medal much later in their careers.

The early betting odds favor the currently injury-free Woods to win the U.S. Open, which is scheduled to begin next month.